Angela Merkel is poised to support British plans to cut millions of pounds of
benefits sent abroad to the children of migrants.

During an official visit to London today, the German chancellor is expected to
tell David Cameron that she can back any reasonable reforms to European
Union treaties provided that they do not challenge the principle of free
movement.

The intervention will come as a boost for the prime minister’s promise to
reform Europe before a referendum in 2017 on Britain’s membership. With Mr
Cameron’s ability to win a new deal for Britain a critical issue before the
general